In Bhopal, gyms, wellness centres wink at FSSAI norms

BHOPAL: A horde of macho men associated with gyms and wellness centres in Bhopal go all out extolling power of protein powder energy drinks and supplements. And many do not bother registeration with Food and Drugs Administration (FDA).
District health officials are yet to wake up to side-effects of youngsters aspiring to bulk up like a pro. The risk is real and potent, said district chief medical and health officer (CMHO) Dr Veena Sinha. “There can be unwanted side-effects from using unregulated power supplements. There are certain physical conditions that require advice from medical practitioners,” she said. “We will pursue with these centres to register as per norms in keeping with public safety,” she said.
On Friday, senior IPS officer S K Pandey died of heart attack during a workout in a posh gymnasium. The incident has once again brough into focus an urgent need to regulate and monitor wellness and health centres.
As per information from FDA, none of the body building or wellness centres in the state capital are registered as per Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) rules. District health office, however, claimed one centre was registered in nearly two years since the directive was issued.
As per government circular, health centres should register with the office of CMHO under the Nursing Home Act. As per new directives, fitness centres will have to obtain licence from CMHO. Health officials will conduct surprise inspections and test supplements being supplied by these centres.
As per directives, owners of gyms, spas and other fitness centres should submit a list of documents, including health status of their employees to get a licence. Physiotherapy centres will also be covered under the new rules.
Experts said there are chances of bacterial infections and spread of diseases like hepatitis in a gym. The centres would also have to provide clean drinking water and toilet facility.
“In past, FDA collected samples of nutraceuticals. However, registration of these centres is mandatory as per law,” said MP-FDA joint controller Pramod Shukla.